Chronic hives are a common problem in the general population and in my practice. Children and adults can suffer daily itching and hives for months or years without explanation. However, symptoms often resolve spontaneously and… Read More »Allergic reactions without answers
The FDA has approved the first product for oral immunotherapy! Oralair is a tablet containing five grass allergens; Sweet Vernal, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Timothy and Kentucky Blue Grass. It is manufactured by Stallergenes, a French pharmaceutical… Read More »Update: Oralair approved for grass pollen allergy
It is clear to those suffering, allergies cause stress. Constant runny nose, decreased quality of sleep, missed days at school and work are among the many reasons why. A new study from Ohio State University* flips this… Read More »Stress & Allergy
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammatory condition affecting the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat with the stomach). The esophagus contains too high a number of eosinophils, an allergic white blood cell. This causes several gastrointestinal… Read More »What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
The FDA has approved omalizumab (Xolair) for the treatment of chronic hives. This is the first medication with a specific indication for [glossary slug=’chronic-idiopathic-urticaria’ /] (CIU). There are many patients with CIU that remain symptomatic,… Read More »Xolair approved for chronic hives
Allergies are common and costly. Total costs are in the billions. An increasing proportion of this number is being shifted to the patient, in the form of higher copays and deductibles. The price of health… Read More »Allergy shots, a new source of savings
Sometimes moisturizers and steroid creams aren’t enough. Many patients with severe eczema (atopic dermatitis, AD) require oral medications to keep their skin clear and itching under control. A recent article out of Amsterdam and Germany,… Read More »Difficult to treat eczema: a review of medications
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit (FAO/WHO 2002). The potential benefits include inhibition of pathogens, improved integrity of the gastrointestinal (GI) barrier and enhanced immune… Read More »Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of allergies
Last week, the FDA Allergenic Products Advisory Committee unanimously supported approval for two new sublingual allergy tablets (Oralair and Grastek). Allergy tablets are an alternative to conventional allergy shots. Both tablets are indicated for the… Read More »FDA committee supports approval of two new sublingual allergy tablets
If you suffer from chronic hives (urticaria) then you are desperate to find a cause. The one allergy that will fix your problem. Often foods, food additives or food preservatives are suspected. When you break… Read More »Food additives, an unlikely cause of chronic hives
